Servicing & Transporting Your Machine

A ‘winch’ is a pulling device, used for hauling or lifting, which uses rope, cable or chain to wind around a rotating drum. They are generally operated using a crank, motor or another power source.

Always use your winching equipment properly to ensure your safety and to have a minimal impact on the environment around you. Additionally, check the owner’s manual before using your winch to check it’s maximum weight capacity… this is very important - if the maximum weight is exceeded, the cable could snap.

Here’s how to use your winch like a pro:

Practice using your winch with an experienced rider before using it in a real scenario.

Inspect the winching gear before using it – look for frayed or damaged cables. If you find any, don’t use it and replace the cable.

Wear leather gloves to protect your hands and never allow the cable to slide through your hands – even if you’re wearing gloves. Ever heard of rope burn? Well. This is a metal rope...

Always make sure the winch is attached to a secure anchor (boulder, stump or tree will do the trick).

If using a tree as your anchor, protect the tree base with a “trunk protector”, such as a tow strap looped around the tree and then attached to the winch cable, or you can purchase a purpose-made protector.

Keep at least 5 feet of wire rope around the drum when in use.

Keep the winch line straight between the winch and the anchor point.

Check your owner’s manual for information about using your winch.

Know the limitations and capabilities of your winch.

Back your buddies up from the winch when using it. If the cable ever broke or snapped from the strain, any spectators could be badly injured by the rogue cable.

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LET'S WORK TOGETHER

Go boldly, tell your story. Campfire is building a collective of ambassadors who share a passion for the wild. If you’re an influencer, publisher or sport expert drop us a line. Let’s hook up and inspire others.